Uche Nnaji, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State, has pledged to establish three major industries within two years if elected in 2027. According to Premium Times, the former minister of Innovation, Science and Technology made these commitments during a consultative campaign tour in Aba, Abia State. His spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, confirmed the visit details in a statement issued from Enugu.
Nnaji outlined an industrialisation agenda focused on harnessing natural resources. He proposed facilities for coal processing, iron ore utilisation, and cement production. The candidate stated these projects would target coal deposits in Awhum, iron ore fields from Nachi to Nsukka, and existing raw material sources for cement. He argued that current operations in Awhum benefit external entities while leaving the host community with nothing, noting that over 100 trailers of coal are evacuated nightly without social responsibility to locals.
The candidate linked his industrial plans to urgent socio-economic concerns. He described worsening hunger and insecurity, alleging village markets have closed and traders now operate at night to avoid taxation. Nnaji also claimed a resurgence of armed robbery, stating criminals break into homes between midnight and 4 a.m. to steal food. He presented his industrial strategy as a direct remedy to these economic hardships.
Sunday Okonkwo, Chairman of the Enugu State Consultative Forum in Abia, welcomed Nnaji and pledged support. Okonkwo described the group as stakeholders, promising to mobilise relatives in Enugu for the 2027 elections. He characterised Nnaji as a successful businessman who could deliver practical solutions to infrastructure challenges.
This campaign activity proceeds despite Nnaji facing an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Premium Times reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested the candidate in July. The legal case follows a two-year investigation published by the newspaper in October 2025, which revealed that Nnaji forged his University of Nigeria, Nnewi degree and NYSC certificates submitted during his ministerial confirmation in 2023. Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position three days after the allegations were published.
The political landscape is complicated by internal party dynamics. Premium Times reported that Nnaji emerged as the governorship candidate for a PDP faction backed by Governor Nyesom Wike. The same report alleged that Nnaji is seeking the governorship to secure immunity from prosecution.